Pre-Match Report
Nine points, confidence high—BVB ahead of the Bundesliga match in Stuttgart
The scenario
BVB has won its last five competitive matches across all competitions, scoring at least two goals in each. In the Bundesliga, the Black and Yellow team has gotten off to a perfect start with three wins in three games—for the fifth time in Bundesliga history and the first time in eleven years. “We’ve seen a lot of good things. We defend well as a unit. We’re transitioning really well right now,” said Kovac. “When we have possession, there are a few things we can do even better—play more cleanly. But it’s early in the season, and we still need time.”
BVB has already scored eight goals in the Bundesliga, more than the league average of six. It’s not unlikely that more will follow: Stuttgart vs. Dortmund is the highest-scoring matchup in Bundesliga history, with 381 goals (193 for BVB, 188 for VfB). Kovac believes the team is well-prepared for the rematch: “We not only have a solid points cushion but also a lot of confidence. The lads are in a positive frame of mind; they’re focused.” It’s the last game before the international break, and “we want to end it on a positive note, because it’s much nicer to head home with a win.”
Team News
The best news of the training week came as early as Wednesday: Konstantinos Karetsas has resumed training with his teammates. “He has a positive attitude, is laughing, is happy, and is enjoying training,” Kovac observed. The plan is for the new signing to travel to Stuttgart and rejoin the squad.
Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini made their comebacks last weekend against Paderborn. “They handled everything well and are fit and ready to play this weekend,” said Kovac. See the roster update.
Opponent
Just like a year ago, Stuttgart has three points after three matchdays. On the road, the Swabians lost in Munich (1–5) and at Hoffenheim (1–2). VfB won its home opener against Cologne 4–1. “This is a very well-balanced team that can do a lot with the ball and has many talented individual players,” said Kovac. “Three points sounds like very little right now, but they faced Bayern and Hoffenheim in their first three games. Those aren’t easy opponents.” The BVB coach particularly highlights their home form: “With the atmosphere there, it’s going to be very difficult for any opponent—including us this weekend.” Last Bundesliga season, Stuttgart lost only two home games: against Bayern Munich (0–5) and BVB (0–2). It was Stuttgart’s only loss in their past twelve Bundesliga home games.
Changing Sides
On the BVB side, four first team players have previously played for VfB: Waldemar Anton and Serhou Guirassy moved from Swabia to the Ruhr region in 2024. Gregor Kobel, who helped VfB earn promotion to the Bundesliga in 2020, had made the move three years earlier. His fellow goalkeeper, Alex Meyer, also has a history with Stuttgart: He played for the reserve team between 2017 and 2019. On the other side, four players have already worn the Black and Yellow jersey: Chris Führich, Atakan Karazor, and Stefan Drljaca all played in the youth ranks. Dan-Axel Zagadou played for BVB’s First team until 2022 before moving to Stuttgart.
Christina Reinke